Category Archives: California Contractor

Understanding Contractor’s License Surety Bonds

Contractor License Bonds are a type of Surety Bond, and are typically required from a variety of businesses, such as Contractors, as a pre-licensing requirement. California, Arizona and Nevada Contractors are all required to post Contractor’s License Surety Bonds or a cash deposit. This type of bond is a guarantee that the contractor will satisfactorily complete all work for the owner according to the contract, and that all construction costs be paid. This is a three party agreement between the Surety Company (Guarantor), the Contractor (Principal) and the Owner (Obligee, such as in this case, the Contractors Board).

Is a Contractor’s License Surety Bond an Insurance Policy?

Contractor License Surety Bonds are not insurance. They do not protect the Contractor. The Contractor, who defaults, will be responsible pay back any money spent to complete the project. Bonds function as a credit guarantee to the owner.

How much do Contractor’s License Surety Bonds cost?

Most contractors purchase a Contractor’s License Surety Bond in lieu of putting up a large cash deposit for a long period of time. For example, if the Nevada State Contractors Board requires a $10,000.00 bond, they would require a cashier’s check for $10,000.00 and a biennial fee of $200.00. If a Contractor opted to purchase a bond instead, the Surety Company would charge a premium of the bond amount which usually paid annually. You can see bond rates here.

An important factor in determining premium is credit score based, however, some are instant issue. As a premium example from above, a $10,000.00 Nevada Contractors License with good credit could cost an experienced contractor approximately $300.00 annually, and discounts are offered in multi years. Most Nevada Contractor License Surety Bonds $2,000.00 and under are instant issue, as are most Arizona Contractor License Commercial Surety Bonds.

Other Types of Surety Bonds

After a Contractor is licensed, they may be asked for additional bonding for public works, or large construction projects. These are called Contract Bonds, which are different than a Contractor’s License Surety Bond and include bid, payment and performance bonds. These guarantee the Contractor fulfills his contractual agreement as promised and that subcontractors are paid.